Auldearn Castle

Auldearn Castle Details

Auldearn Castle, C12 motte erected by King William the Lion with traces of ditch at the base and later perimeter wall

  • Closest To: Auldearn
  • Access: Free Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NH917556

Auldearn Castle is a substantial motte at the end of a low ridge occupied by the village of Auldearn. Around the edge of the summit is a bank which probably contains the remains of a masonry wall of unknown date, and in the centre of the castle is the yellow doocot erected by the owners of Boath House.

The motte was erected in the 12th century, perhaps during the suppression of the Moray and Ross-based rival MacWilliam dynasty by King William the Lyon. However, it was associated with a burgh from an early date which does suggest that it may have had older origins, and a document of the 1180s suggest that it was occupied by the rebels at one point. It probably fell into decline during the reign of Alexander II, and was replaced by a new royal castle at Nairn in the 14th century.

The castle is free to access at all times, and there is a car park at the base.

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